Homemade motofocus

Post by **Airconvent** » Wed Sep 22, 2004 1:04 am

HI Anat
wow...you just saved US$149!!
that's a pretty neat trick you got there. Perhaps you can upload the instructions. specs with pics on how to build one? Do post it to the database section....

rich

kingkong · Post by **kingkong** » Wed Sep 22, 2004 3:37 am

anat wrote:other options: You can order it from http://www.ozitronics.com.

anat, thanks for the lead.

MCYM · Post by **MCYM** » Wed Sep 22, 2004 11:30 am

Hi Anat

This is some serious stuff you have put together. I am impressed.

Have a couple of questions.
Does it have a pass thru to accepts serial command from com port?
If so, can it response to Ascom or LX200 protocol?

I am looking out for a Robofocus, Could this be just as good if not better?

Regards

Matthew

anat · Post by **anat** » Wed Sep 22, 2004 11:55 am

Matthew:

The driver accepts serial communication via a serial port (the protocol is provided in the manual) but not ASCOM protocol used for astronimical purposes.

If you want to have fine focus adjustment without vibration, the DIY motofocus will meet the requirements. If you need to have an absolute position control and backlash compensation, it is possible with the DIY motofocus but you need to write your own program to communicate with the driver via serial port.

Another option is to use an LX200 emulator with a DC motor (http://www.technoplus.nl/astro/lx200.htm to communicate using LX200 commands. I cannot comment on the Robofocus because of no experience. Hope this helps.

Anat

anat · Post by **anat** » Wed Sep 22, 2004 9:07 pm

I found a good source for buying cheap motors: http://www.electronicsurplus.com/

Anat

MCYM · Post by **MCYM** » Thu Sep 23, 2004 9:35 am

Thanks for the info. Anat

BTW, Full range of kitrus kits are available in SLS Singapore. Alhought they do not have an online presence. They do ships overseas.

Looks like there is not easy way to acheive autofocus capability,
without resorting to expensive hardware.

Matthew

anat · Post by **anat** » Wed Mar 16, 2005 1:16 pm

This motofocus is now ASCOM-compatible. I just finished my ASCOM driver project. So, low-cost autofocus is possible now

anat · Post by **anat** » Wed Mar 16, 2005 1:18 pm

Then press Settings to input the Com Port# and Maximum Position. And we can command Move In or Move Out from any ASCOM-compliant software.

anat · Post by **anat** » Wed Mar 16, 2005 1:21 pm

We can use DSLRfocus with the motofocus driver for autofocusing Canon DSLRs.

A 5 YeaR Old · Post by **A 5 YeaR Old** » Tue Apr 12, 2005 7:46 pm

that motor is the same kind as the micromouse and roboracer's motor, i seen my friends messing with it before. i think you can get it from Alpha Innovations thats in Singapore.